Many years ago, when I worked in a large retail store, I remember an associate of mine that said something about me that I will always remember. It was something that I had not thought much about until he pointed it out to me. He said to his friend walking with him as we passed in the store aisle; “This is Gary; whenever you see him, he always has a smile on his face!”
I thought what a nice thing to say about someone. It wasn’t a compliment that I was reaching for, but it was nice to hear. I have now come to realize what is meant by the saying, “what is something that you can give away and never lose? It’s your smile!”
I have found out through my years in the newspaper business that this is very true. There have been times that I have faced some irate people during my career. When they came in complaining I would invite them into my office and offer them a handshake, a cup of coffee or a soft drink, a smile, and a place to sit. Many times, I would offer them some candy from the bowl I kept in my office for my grandchildren. At this time, I would sit and listen to what they wanted to say.
When they left my office, we usually parted on good terms. Very few times did I have someone leave unhappy. When you treat people with kindness and patience you, in most cases, will receive them in return. These are other characteristics you can give away and never lose!
Charles Schultz, the creator of the comic strip ‘Peanuts’ once showed a cartoon of Linus speaking to Lucy with the message of “You know what is highly contagious? Kindness, patience, love, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. Don’t wait to catch it from others, be the carrier.”
We are going to meet people who are struggling with heartbreaks, tragedies, life decisions, or just having bad days. You can be the person that helps them to overcome some of these difficulties just by exemplifying kind words and availability to listen.
We are told in Colossians 3:12; “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…”
When you have these characteristics you exemplify to others what kind of person you are. It doesn’t matter what vocation you are in or what management level you have achieved, it will never hurt you to be a carrier of these qualities mentioned above.
My employment in retail and in the newspaper business taught me many lessons. When you are around people you will deal with many personalities. Are you going to be the kind of person who will have contagious traits? Will you be the carrier?
Will you also be the one who stands on your Christian principles and talk to people about the saving grace of Jesus?
This is the most important trait you can have and again, it is something you can offer to others without you losing anything!
